Field device having tamper attempt reporting

ABSTRACT

A method of tamper attempt reporting includes receiving a write attempt to configuration data stored within a field device in an industrial plant configured to run a process involving a plurality of physical process parameters including a network server, a plurality of processing units, and a plurality of field devices. The plurality of field devices include (i) a sensor for measuring at least one of the plurality of physical process parameters or (ii) an instrument for performing control output actions for at least one of the plurality of processing units. The plurality of field devices are in communication with at least one remote host system or device. The write attempt is automatically detected. An alert of the write attempt is automatically sent to at least the remote host system or device.

FIELD

Disclosed embodiments relate to devices having tamper attempt detectionand reporting.

BACKGROUND

In industrial process control, sensors for sensing physical measurementsfor the process being run (e.g., pressure, temperature, level, or fluidflow) and instruments for performing control output actions (e.g.,control valves, actuators, or drive units) for the processing units inindustrial plants may be located across a large geographic area. Theseinstruments are generally referred to as “field devices” or “fieldinstruments” (hereafter “field devices”), which may be located in areasthat are either manned or unmanned. The levels of security at thevarious locations may vary. All of these factors present a challenge toassure the field devices remain operating as intended, and as verifiedduring the commissioning process before they are placed in service.

Contemporary field devices are generally termed “smart” field devicesbecause they provide valuable asset data besides the basic sensor orcontrol function for a physical parameter. This asset data relates tothe diagnostic health of the field device and the process/applicationwith which it is involved. In the case of a smart position sensor, forexample, an ability to self-calibrate is provided by a combination of anApplication-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) and an array ofmagneto-resistive (MR) sensors to accurately and reliably determine theposition of a magnet attached to a moving object (e.g., elevator, valve,machinery, etc.), so that the object's position can be accuratelydetermined.

Field devices generally use standard field communication protocols suchas HART, WirelessHART, FOUNDATION FIELDBUS, PROFIBUS, PROFINET or ISA100.11a, to communicate with a remote host system or device, such as anetwork server, distributed control system (DCS), safety system,instrument asset management system, or handheld configurator. Such hostsystems or devices generally include write access to the smart devices,and often the smart device itself supports configuration through its ownlocal interfaces, such as a local display screen and switches. Theconfiguration parameters are set for each field device by the user withany of the aforementioned hosts available so that the field deviceoperates as intended.

Since field devices may perform mission critical measurement andcontrol, the data security in such devices is important. Accordingly,any changes to the configuration data of the device (values held indifferent process parameters) need to be safely guarded, and care isgenerally taken to prevent unintended configuration changes to be madeafter commissioning. Configuration changes, whether changedinadvertently or changed maliciously, may be detrimental to theoperation of the plant, and in certain cases might put human life atrisk.

Traditionally, unauthorized changes to configuration data is avoided byplants having Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for field deviceaccess for writes/configurations, and sometime access for reads as well,where the host systems or devices provide write access control tospecific users/specific scenarios, and then the field devices themselvesperform write protection. The write protection for field devices isgenerally implemented by software or by hardware (a write protecthardware jumper), or by both.

When a field device is configured for write protection, the intent is toblock unauthorized changes to its configuration data. Write protectionmethods are standard, and generally perform their function effectively.However, the systems and individuals responsible for the safe plantoperations of the process and those responsible for the properoperations of the field devices are not made aware of attempts to changedevice configurations.

SUMMARY

This Summary is provided to introduce a brief selection of disclosedconcepts in a simplified form that are further described below in theDetailed Description including the drawings provided. This Summary isnot intended to limit the claimed subject matter's scope.

Disclosed embodiments recognize although conventional write protectmechanisms provide protection from tampering activities changingconfiguration data (sometimes referred to as configuration parameters)for field devices within an industrial plant, there is no tamper attemptreporting provided, which can be of value for certain purposes includingaudit and prompt identification of hackers or other unauthorizedindividuals. Disclosed embodiments include software referred to hereinas “Automatic Tamper Attempt Reporting” (ATAR) algorithms for thetracking and reporting of attempts to change field device configurationdata when the field device is configured for write protection. Disclosedembodiments can inform operations and maintenance systems and personnelto attempted configuration data changes which are against StandardOperating Procedures (SOPs) and malicious attempts to disrupt plantoperations (e.g., by hackers or disgruntled employees or contractors).

One disclosed embodiment comprises a method of tamper attempt reportingfor field devices at an industrial plant. A write attempt is received toconfiguration data stored by a field device in an industrial plantconfigured to run a process involving a plurality of physical processparameters including a network server, a plurality of processing units,and a plurality of field devices. The industrial plant generallyincludes other network infrastructure, such as wireless infrastructure.The plurality of field devices include (i) a sensor for measuring atleast one of the plurality of physical process parameters or (ii) aninstrument for performing control output actions for at least one of theprocessing units. The software write attempt or movement of a writeprotect hardware jumper (if the field device includes a write protecthardware jumper) is automatically detected, and an alert of the writeattempt is automatically sent to at least one remote host system ordevice that the field device is in communication with, such as thenetwork server in one particular embodiment.

As used herein, a remote host system or device is any system or devicethe field device is in communication with which has the ability to readand/or write to configuration data in the field device, irrespective ofthe distance to the field device. For example, the remote host system ordevice can comprise a distributed control system (DCS), a safety system,instrument asset management system, or handheld configurator.Additionally, the remote host system or device can comprise a tabletdevice, a cell phone/smart phone, or a supervisory control and a dataacquisition (SCADA) system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a flow chart that shows steps in a method of tamper attemptreporting for field devices at an industrial plant, according to anexample embodiment.

FIG. 2A is a block diagram depiction of an example smart instrument forperforming control output actions for processing units shown as a smartactuator having disclosed tamper attempt reporting, and FIG. 2B is ablock diagram depiction of an example a smart sensor having disclosedtamper attempt reporting, according example embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an industrial plant comprising processingunits, along with a wireless communications network including a networkserver, at least one router, a plurality of operators, and a pluralityof field devices having disclosed tamper attempt reporting, according toan example embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a table showing example tamper alert rules for an example ATARalgorithm where the field device includes a write protect hardwarejumper.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed embodiments are described with reference to the attachedfigures, wherein like reference numerals are used throughout the figuresto designate similar or equivalent elements. The figures are not drawnto scale and they are provided merely to illustrate certain disclosedaspects. Several disclosed aspects are described below with reference toexample applications for illustration. It should be understood thatnumerous specific details, relationships, and methods are set forth toprovide a full understanding of the disclosed embodiments. One havingordinary skill in the relevant art, however, will readily recognize thatthe subject matter disclosed herein can be practiced without one or moreof the specific details or with other methods. In other instances,well-known structures or operations are not shown in detail to avoidobscuring certain aspects. This Disclosure is not limited by theillustrated ordering of acts or events, as some acts may occur indifferent orders and/or concurrently with other acts or events.Furthermore, not all illustrated acts or events are required toimplement a methodology in accordance with the embodiments disclosedherein.

Disclosed embodiments include ATAR algorithms for field devices havingwrite protect mechanism(s) for configuration data that allowimplementation of tamper attempt tracking which permits individualsresponsible for plant operations or instrument maintenance to be alertedto attempted changes to the configuration data of a field device. Whileit may appear that no harm has been caused in the cases where the writeprotect mechanism successfully blocks attempts to change configurationdata, disclosed embodiments recognize unauthorized activity such ashacker behavior may try to gain access to a number of field devices,appliances, or systems one at a time until they find one that isunprotected. Using the detection and reporting mechanism describedherein provides an early warning system of unauthorized write attemptsto configuration data detected across the broad distribution of fielddevices.

The ATAR algorithm can generally be switched on/off to be enabled ordisabled, including by a user of the field device itself using a userinterface. Once enabled, the ATAR algorithm automatically tracksattempts to change configuration data of field device, and canautomatically alert a remote host system or device using standardalarm/events/diagnostic reporting as specified by the underlyingcommunication protocol utilized and its standards, such as based onHART, WirelessHART FOUNDATION FIELDBUS, PROFIBUS, PROFINET, or ISA100.11a communication protocols.

FIG. 1 is a flow chart that shows steps in a method 100 of tamperattempt reporting for field devices at an industrial plant, according toan example embodiment. The field device is provided with a disclosedATAR algorithm, which can include a user selectable (on/off) switch thatcan work in addition to write protect software and/or a write protecthardware jumper (if provided by the field device). When the ATARalgorithm is enabled, write attempts to the field device or movement ofthe write protect hardware jumper (if provided by the field device) canresult in the field device automatically reporting a tamper alert, suchas through standard communication mechanisms within the associatedcommunication protocol to a remote host system or device.

Step 101 comprises receiving a write attempt to configuration datastored by a field device operable for controlling one of a plurality ofphysical process parameters involved in a process run by the industrialplant. The field devices include (i) a sensor for measuring at least oneof the plurality of physical process parameters (e.g., pressure,temperature of flow) or (ii) an instrument for performing control outputactions for at least one of the plurality of processing units. Theindustrial plant includes a network server, a plurality of processingunits. The field device is in communication with at least one remotehost system or device. A disclosed ATAR algorithm is generally stored ina memory of the field device having executable code for automaticallydetecting the write attempt (step 102 described below) and automaticallysending the alert (step 103 described below).

Step 102 comprises automatically detecting the write attempt received instep 101. The write attempt detected can be due to an attempt to changea configuration parameter(s) protected by write protect software and/oror physical movement of a write protect hardware jumper if field devicehas a write protect hardware jumper. The write protect hardware jumpertypically closes a circuit when it is in place, and opens the circuitwhen it is removed. Logic in the field device (e.g., provided by amicroprocessor) detects when the associated write protect circuit iseither open or closed, and detects changes of state from either off toon, or on to off.

Step 103 comprises automatically sending an alert of the write attemptto at least the remote host system or device. Reporting can be via thecommunication media used by the industrial plant, including wirelessmedia or wired media. The tamper alert can also be sent to auxiliaryunits in the vicinity of the field device sending the alert, such ashandhelds (e.g., handheld configurators) and mobile stations, orauxiliary units including remote display meters.

Responsible personnel (e.g., individuals in the control room with thenetwork server) can thus be alerted to write attempts. If the actionreported by the field device was authorized by work order and SOP, thealert can be simply acknowledged by the remote host system or deviceuser. If the write attempt reported by the field device was notauthorized by work order and SOP, follow-up action can follow. Follow-upactions can include sending someone to location, such as a fieldtechnician or security guard, monitoring the area with video cameras, ortracking the alerts to see if there is a pattern of which field devicesare reporting possible tampering.

In some embodiments, the field devices include a write protect hardwarejumper. In this embodiment the write attempt includes both attempts tobypass write protection software protecting the configuration data aswell as movement of the write protect hardware jumper. The method canfurther comprise incrementing a counter for each write attempt, anddelaying the automatic sending of the alert until the counter reaches apredetermined number >1, wherein the predetermined number can beprogrammable (e.g., user programmable). A “number of allowed attempts”can be a user configurable number which can be compared against acounter of write attempts once the ATAR algorithm is enabled. If thecounter crosses this number, a tamper attempt alert can be automaticallyissued by the field device.

The alert can persist for a predetermined time (a “tamper alarmlatency”), wherein the predetermined time can be programmable (e.g.,user programmable). For example, a user configurable predetermined timebetween 1 to 60 seconds (both inclusive), can specify the tamper alarmlatency.

The method can include enabling and disabling of the ATAR algorithm,including user enabling or disabling through a switch or through a userinterface. In this embodiment, disabling (changing from on to off) ofthe ATAR algorithm can result in automatically sending the alert.

In one embodiment, once the ATAR algorithm is enabled, and subsequent tothe enabling of the counter for write attempts crossing the “Number ofAllowed Attempts”, the field device automatically issues a tamper alertby setting an appropriate bit in one of its response bytes. In oneparticular embodiment utilizing the HART communications protocol,responsive to a command number 48 (read_additional_device_status, “Cmd48”) message from a host system or device, the field device issues atamper alert by setting a bit (that is recognized as a temper alert bit)in the response bytes sent to the remote host system or device. Thetamper alert may be acknowledged by the remote host system or device byreading the response bytes from the field device. Once the host systemor device has acknowledged the tamper alert, the field device can clearthe bit set for the alert after the predetermined time configured (thetamper alarm latency).

Disclosed ATAR algorithms can also include code for generating an alertto at least the host system or device following an attempt to disablethe ATAR algorithm. For example, an attempt to disable the ATARalgorithm can be sensed by removal of the write protect hardware jumperwhile ATAR is enabled (see row 5 of FIG. 4 described below).

Disclosed ATAR algorithms can also analyze the data of tamper alerts onthe system, to enable the alerts to report details of the specificconfiguration data parameter(s) which were attempted to be changed. TheATAR algorithm can save the parameter ID that was attempted to bechanged and can also save the value that was attempted to be written.Tampering detection and an alert can be automatically sent if thehousing of the field device is opened. A suitable sensor can be used todetect opening of the housing. An audio/visual indication (audible alarmor blinking light) at the field device itself can also be provided forindicating a tamper alert. Configurability options can be provided tothe user for setting thresholds for number of allowed attempts andtamper alarm latency, etc. Configurability options also can includewhich video feed relates to tampering alert on a specific device in ascenario where the location is video monitored with multiple cameras.The field device can also self-audit the write attempts. Once the fielddevice self-audits the tamper attempts, standard communicationmechanisms between the field device and host system or device can beused to retrieve the audit records.

FIG. 2A is a block diagram depiction of an example smart actuator 200having disclosed tamper attempt reporting, and FIG. 2B is a blockdiagram depiction of a smart sensor 250 having disclosed tamper attemptreporting, according example embodiments. Smart actuator 200 includes ahousing 205. Smart actuator 200 is shown including an actuator 208 and asensor 209 coupled to processing units involved in the process, and ananalog to digital converter (ADC) 211. The output of the ADC 211 iscoupled to a processor or other computing device shown as amicroprocessor 214. Microprocessor 214 includes static random accessmemory (SRAM shown as RAM) 216 and read only memory (ROM) 217 formemory. The ATAR algorithm is generally stored in RAM 216 when RAM 216comprises a SRAM. Microprocessor 214 is coupled to transmit and receive(T/R) circuitry 221 including a transceiver and optional bus controllerwhich provides communications to and from the network utilized by theindustrial plant.

The output of the microprocessor 214 is coupled to a digital to analog(DAC) converter 222. DAC 222 is coupled to power regulator/powerconverter 223 which is coupled to an input of the actuator 208. Smartactuator 200 includes a user interface 230 that allows user' entry ofdata, including parameters for the ATAR algorithm, including a thresholdfor the number of allowed write attempts and tamper alarm latency. Smartactuator 200 also includes a write protect hardware jumper shown asjumper 227, which is coupled to the microprocessor 214.

The smart sensor 250 in FIG. 2B includes a housing 255. Smart sensor 250is shown including a sensor 258 and an ADC 211. The output of the ADC211 is coupled to a processor or computing device shown as amicroprocessor 214. Microprocessor 214 includes RAM 216 and ROM 217 formemory. The ATAR is generally stored in RAM 216 when RAM 216 comprises aSRAM. Microprocessor 214 is coupled to T/R circuitry 221 which providescommunications to and from a network utilized by the industrial plant.Smart sensor 250 includes a user interface 230 that allows user entry ofdata, including parameters for the ATAR algorithm. Smart sensor 250 alsoincludes a write protect hardware jumper 227 which is coupled to themicroprocessor 214.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an industrial plant 300 comprising aproduction floor 360 including processing units 311 a-f, and fielddevices having disclosed ATAR algorithms. The field devices are shown asinstruments (e.g., actuators) 312 for performing control output actionsfor at least one of the plurality of processing units 311 a-f, andsensors 313 coupled to the processing units 311 a-f for measuring atleast one physical process parameter. In one embodiment instruments 312can comprise smart devices analogous to the smart actuator 200 shown inFIG. 2A, and sensors 313 can comprise smart sensors analogous to thesmart sensor 250 shown in FIG. 2B.

The industrial plant 300 includes a wireless communications networkincluding a network server 320, at least one router shown as wirelessrouters 325 and gateway routers 330 arranged in a wireless mesh backbone340. A plurality of operators/workers shown as workers 1, 2 and 3 eachhaving a handheld computing device 370 are on the production floor 360.The handheld computing devices 370 include a wireless transceiver, aprocessor, and a memory, with their display screen 242 shown. Thenetwork server 320 includes a processor 321 and a wireless transceiver322 for wirelessly transmitting information to the handheld computingdevices 370 and field devices 312, 313. Network server 320 is alsocoupled to a memory 329 that can store information includingconfiguration data for the field devices and data for a data historian.

Industrial plant 300 is shown configured as a DCS where the processcontrollers 316-318 are not central in location, but are distributedthroughout the industrial plant 300 with each component sub-systemcontrolled by one or more controllers. Industrial plant 300 canimplement activities such as oil refining, petrochemicals, centralstation power generation, fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, food andbeverage manufacturing, cement production, steelmaking, papermaking, andgas processing.

FIG. 4 is a table 400 showing example tamper alert rules for an exampleATAR algorithm when the field device includes a write protect hardwarejumper. SWP refers to software write protection, and the jumper refersto a write protect hardware jumper. The field device is provided aparameter shown as “tamper reporting” (On/Off) in addition to writeprotect and the write protect hardware jumper. The ATAR algorithm allowsthe field device to report attempts to configuration changes when writeprotection mechanisms (soft/hard) are enabled. As noted above, the ATARalgorithm itself can generate an alert when it is changed from on tooff.

EXAMPLES

Disclosed embodiments are further illustrated by the following specificExamples, which should not be construed as limiting the scope or contentof this Disclosure in any way.

An example ATAR algorithm was implemented in a Honeywell ST 800™Smartline Pressure device's HART version. The device implemented aparameter called “Tamper Reporting” which had states of “Enable” and“Disable”. The field device further implemented parameters including“Number of Allowed Attempts”, which was a user configurable number whichwas compared against a counter of write attempts once the ATAR algorithmwas enabled. When the counter crossed this predetermined number, atamper attempt alert was issued automatically by the field device.

“Tamper Alarm Latency” was a user configurable value between 1 to 60seconds (both inclusive), which specifies the time up to which the fielddevice persists the tamper alarm. Therefore, once the tamper reportingwas “enabled”, and subsequently the counter for write attempts crossesthe “number of allowed attempts”, the field device issued a tamperalert. The tamper alert is provided by the field device by setting “MoreStatus Available” (MSA) bit in the device status byte. Once the host(e.g., DCS/Asset Management system) observes the MSA bit (as part ofregular polling/communication) it sends the HART Command 48(read_additional_device_status). Once the field device receives theCommand 48 request it replies with the response bytes where one of theappropriate bytes have the Tamper Alert bit set. After this transmissionthe device clears the Tamper Alert bit after expiration of theconfigured “Tamper Alarm Latency” period. Although some embodiments wereimplemented in HART protocol, disclosed ATAR algorithms can beimplemented in WirelessHART, Foundation Fieldbus, PROFIBUS, PROFINET,ISA 100.11a, or any other communication protocol. Only the deliverymethod of the data using messaging infrastructure available in anyspecific communication protocol is different.

While various disclosed embodiments have been described above, it shouldbe understood that they have been presented by way of example only, andnot limitation. Numerous changes to the subject matter disclosed hereincan be made in accordance with this Disclosure without departing fromthe spirit or scope of this Disclosure. In addition, while a particularfeature may have been disclosed with respect to only one of severalimplementations, such feature may be combined with one or more otherfeatures of the other implementations as may be desired and advantageousfor any given or particular application.

Any combination of one or more computer usable or computer readablemedium(s) may be utilized. The computer-usable or computer-readablemedium may be, for example, but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic,optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus,or device. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of thecomputer-readable medium would include non-transitory media includingthe following: an electrical connection having one or more wires, aportable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), aread-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROMor Flash memory), a portable compact disc read-only memory (CDROM), anoptical storage device, or a magnetic storage device.

Computer program code for carrying out operations of the disclosure maybe written in any combination of one or more programming languages,including an object-oriented programming language such as Java,Smalltalk, C++ or the like and conventional procedural programminglanguages, such as the “C” programming language or similar programminglanguages. The program code may execute entirely on the user's computer,partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partlyon the user's computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely onthe remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remotecomputer may be connected to the user's computer through any type ofnetwork, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network(WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer (forexample, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider).

The Disclosure is described below with reference to flowchartillustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems) andcomputer program products according to embodiments of the invention. Itwill be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/orblock diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchartillustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computerprogram instructions. These computer program instructions may beprovided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purposecomputer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce amachine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor ofthe computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, createmeans for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchartand/or block diagram block or blocks.

These computer program instructions may also be stored in a physicalcomputer-readable storage medium that can direct a computer or otherprogrammable data processing apparatus to function in a particularmanner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readablemedium produce an article of manufacture including instruction meanswhich implement the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks.

The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer orother programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series ofoperational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmableapparatus to produce a computer implemented process such that theinstructions which execute on the computer or other programmableapparatus provide processes for implementing the functions/actsspecified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method of tamper attempt reporting,comprising: receiving a write attempt to configuration data storedwithin a field device in an industrial plant configured to run a processinvolving a plurality of physical process parameters including a networkserver, a plurality of processing units, and a plurality of said fielddevices, said plurality of field devices including (i) a sensor formeasuring at least one of said plurality of physical process parametersor (ii) an instrument for performing control output actions for at leastone of said plurality of processing units, said plurality of fielddevices each being in communication with at least one remote host systemor device; said field device automatically detecting said write attempt,and said field device automatically sending an alert of said writeattempt to at least said remote host system or device; wherein saidplurality of field devices further include a memory, wherein anAutomatic Tamper Attempt Reporting (ATAR) algorithm is stored in saidmemory, said ATAR algorithm having executable code for saidautomatically detecting said write attempt and said automaticallysending said alert, and wherein disabling of said ATAR algorithm resultsin automatically sending an alert to said remote host system or device.2. The method of claim 1, wherein said remote host system or deviceincludes said network server.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein saidplurality of field devices further include a write protect hardwarejumper, and wherein said write attempt includes both attempts to bypasswrite protection software protecting said configuration data andmovement of said write protect hardware jumper.
 4. The method of claim1, further comprising incrementing a counter for each said writeattempt, and delaying said automatically sending said alert until saidcounter reaches a predetermined number >1, wherein said predeterminednumber is at least one of programmable and user configurable.
 5. Themethod of claim 1, wherein said automatically sending said alertpersists for a predetermined time, and wherein said predetermined timeis at least one of programmable and user configurable.
 6. The method ofclaim 1, wherein a local alert of said write attempt is indicated onsaid plurality of field devices by at least one of an audio signal and avisual signal.
 7. A field device, comprising: (i) a sensor for measuringat least one of a plurality of physical process parameters associatedwith a process involving said plurality of physical process parametersrun by an industrial plant having a plurality of processing unitsconfigured to run said process, or (ii) an instrument for performingcontrol output actions for said plurality of processing units, whereinsaid field device is in communication with at least one remote hostsystem or device; a memory for storing configuration data and anAutomatic Tamper Attempt Reporting (ATAR) algorithm; a processoroperatively coupled to said sensor or said instrument, and to saidmemory to implement said ATAR; a transceiver coupled to said processorfor enabling communications over a network used by said industrialplant, and wherein said ATAR algorithm has executable code for:automatically detecting a write attempt to said configuration data, andautomatically sending an alert of said write attempt to at least saidremote host system or device; wherein disabling of said ATAR algorithmresults in automatically sending an alert to said remote host system ordevice.
 8. The field device of claim 7, wherein said field deviceincludes a write protect hardware jumper, and wherein said write attemptincludes both attempts to bypass write protection software protectingsaid configuration data and movement of said write protect hardwarejumper.
 9. The field device of claim 7, wherein said ATAR algorithm hasexecutable code for incrementing a counter for each said write attempt,and delaying said automatically sending said alert until said counterreaches a predetermined number >1, wherein said predetermined number isat least one of programmable and user configurable.
 10. The field deviceof claim 7, wherein said automatically sending said alert persists for apredetermined time, and wherein said predetermined time is at least oneof programmable and user configurable.
 11. The field device of claim 7,wherein said ATAR algorithm is programmable for enabling and disabling.12. Machine readable storage for tamper attempt reporting at industrialplants, comprising: a non-transitory machine readable storage mediahaving code stored therein for implementing a tamper attempttracking/reporting (ATAR) algorithm at a field device, said codeincluding; code for said field device automatically detecting a receivedwrite attempt to configuration data stored within a field device in anindustrial plant configured to run a process involving a plurality ofphysical process parameters including a network server, a plurality ofprocessing units, and a plurality of said field devices, said pluralityof field devices including (i) a sensor for measuring at least one ofsaid plurality of physical process parameters or (ii) an instrument forperforming control output actions for at least one of said plurality ofprocessing units, said plurality of field devices each being incommunication with at least one remote host system or device; code forsaid field device automatically sending an alert of said write attemptto at least said remote host system or device, and code forautomatically sending an alert to said remote host system or device whensaid ATAR algorithm is disabled.
 13. The machine readable storage ofclaim 12, wherein said plurality of field devices include a writeprotect hardware jumper, and wherein said write attempt includes bothattempts to bypass write protection software protecting saidconfiguration data and movement of said write protect hardware jumper.14. The machine readable storage of claim 11, further comprising codefor incrementing a counter for each said write attempt, and delayingsaid automatically sending said alert until said counter reaches apredetermined number >1, wherein said predetermined number is at leastone of programmable and user configurable.
 15. The machine readablestorage of claim 12, wherein said automatically sending said alertpersists for a predetermined time, and wherein said predetermined timeis at least one of programmable and user configurable.